Castle Theatre in Český Krumlov

The majestic castle complex, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Český Krumlov, has its origins in the 13th century. A castle theatre was built already in the 17th century, during the reign of the Eggenbergs. It was remodelled completely for Prince Josef Adam Schwarzenberg in 1766-1767 by mostly Viennese artists. One of the oldest historic theatres in Europe, it has been entirely preserved in its original state, even including the stage machinery and lighting, stage decorations, props, costumes and the theatre library, all from the 18th century. Following extensive restorations, it reopened for the public in 1996. Every year, some very few performances in the original style offer the opportunity to experience Baroque theatre in the authentic environment. The theatre is open to visitors every day as part of a guided tour.
Zámecké divadlo ∙ Zámek 59 ∙ 380 01 Český Krumlov ∙ Czech Republic
Tel.: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [e-mail] ∙
www.zamek-ceskykrumlov.eu
Visits: guided tours of the theatre daily at 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00 (May-Oct) ∙ max. 20 persons
History
Ferdinand Runk, View of Český Krumlov Castle (1824). The Castle Theatre is located in the back left. The view of the castle has not changed much since the beginning of the 19th century.
Ground plan of the older Eggenberg Theatre built sometime after 1680 and including proposed modifications, probably dating back to 1756. The plan was drawn when preparing for the reconstruction of the older theatre, which was in poor condition, into its current appearance.
The restoration of the theatre took more than thirty years after it was closed in 1966. The photo shows the stage in 1990.
View of the fifth courtyard with the theatre from the Castle Gallery. The exterior of the unpretentious building is in no way an indication of the treasures to be found inside.
The plans, dated 1879, for repairing the roof trusses in the Castle Theatre. The supports for the sagging rafters were the only major change completed in the theatre during the 19th century.
Technology
Three trap mechanisms are located in the floor. Their operation is made easier by a stone counterweight, and they are used for the sudden appearance and disappearance of actors from the stage.
In the 18th century the theatre was lighted by oil or tallow lamps and candles. Today’s electrical lighting tries to recreate the original character of the ingenious former lighting.
The machinery in the fly loft was used to control the changing of the scenery. The ropes from the shaft lead to the scenery suspended above the stage.
The main shaft beneath the stage controls the changing of the wing flats. These are attached to movable frames that come out from under the stage, through slits in the floor, to their position on the stage.
The backdrops and borders are located in the cramped space of the fly loft, which must also accommodate the border lighting.
Scenery
The extensive collection of scenery and theatrical props includes this shopkeeper’s cart (including merchandise painted inside).
The theatre’s collections include more than 150 period costumes ranging from the end of the 17th century to the early 20th century. For example, replicas of original official musicians’ livery are used for performances.
In the 18th century, the theatre’s equipment included a wave machine. This example from Český Krumlov was reconstructed using preserved fragments in 2006.
The curtain, like much of the theatrical scenery, was painted prior to the completion of the theatre’s reconstruction in 1766. It presents a characteristic allegorical theme: cupids with typical attributes and the goddess Pallas Athena celebrating the liberal arts.
The extensive scenery sets make it possible to recreate onstage all of the environments typical for the theatre of the mid-18th century, such as a street scene or a town square.
Text by: Jíří Bláha

[@DTczsk1999]

Beautiful theatre! ❤️🇨🇿

[@chookaschookas444]

Fascinating

[@pietro1968]

Děkuji za velmi poučné video. Mnohokrát jsem zde hrál a rád se opět někdy vrátím. Nejen divadlo ale i zahrada zámku a celé město mají neuvěřitelný genius loci 🎇

[@alanbutland2658]

An excellent presentation on a beautiful C18th theatre

[@lukasm5412]

❤

[@yvonazavorova2748]

Zámecké divadlo Český Krumlov